Yellow Handle Theatre Company is presenting A Game For Flies written and directed by Brianna McCarthy and being performed at Fairfield School of Arts this month. “Two men have locked themselves away in a cave. Outside their window are thousands of buzzing flies that tap on the glass. But under the noise there is something else whispering in the wind. In their solitude, the humans are troubled by dreams of singing rivers and creatures unknown. What is out there that they’re so afraid of?” We are Chatting with Prudence Bernadette who plays ‘The Woman’.
Tell us a little about the role you play. Who is ‘The Woman’ and how have you brought her to life?
I play one of the supporting characters in the show called, The Woman. She is the leader of the natural world and can manipulate water, earth and air to communicate with the protagonists, Player 1 and 2.
I have brought her off the page by creating character mood boards and playlists to get into the right headspace. I actually drove outside Sydney and listened, watched and touched parts of a nature reserve that I felt were similar to the set of the show. Interacting with the place as The Woman was very insightful and gave life to the acting when rehearsal started.
Do you share any traits with The Woman?
Yes! I definitely have the same sense of style as her, and feel a strong connection to the natural world around me. Her movement and ethereal vocals match my voice and I find it easy to get into character.
In the show, The Woman communicates through song. How did you prepare musically for the role?
In my pre-work I listened to a type of singing called Kulning it is an ancient Nordic tradition to call cattle and communicate long distances.
Have you ever been cast in a devised show before?
Yes I have! I did a program at the Joan Sutherland Theatre called, ‘Originate’ in 2018. During this show I had the privilege of working with assistant director, Brianna McCarthy and now she is the Director of, ‘A Game for Flies’.
You said that the rehearsal has been like a ‘meditation’ what did this entail?
At the beginning of every session, we connect to the space we rehearsing in. Brianna plays Ambient noise and Singing bowl music to clear our minds and immerse ourselves into the world she has created. During the workshop phase, we collaborated to put ideas up on the stage that were inspired by contact improv. The experience has been very peaceful and tranquil, I am really enjoying this style of rehearsal.
How would you describe the soundtrack and vibe the audience should expect?
They should expect an “immersive” experience, surrounded by ethereal synth music, and sounds of nature.
What has it been like working on an abstract new Australian Play?
It has been a lovely experience working with Brianna McCarthy, she came in day one with a very strong vision of the world she wanted to create. Although the tone of the piece is abstract, I feel that we tell a beautiful story of connecting back to the earth.
How you do prepare before rehearsal? What’s the process?
Of course, I go over my notes, do a speed run of the show in the space then go over my entry and exit points for the tech run. There’s vocal warm ups, physical stretching and getting into character work.
How physical is the production and what does this entail?
The show has been very physical; our choreographer has been inspired by Katas which is a choreographed pattern of movements. She has also taken the way nature interacts with us and transformed them into dances and gestures.
What do you think the audience will take away with them after the performance/What message does the play give?
After watching the show, we would like more people to think about the way we treat the earth around us.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have been given?
Don’t compare your ‘behind the scenes’ to someone else’s ‘highlight reel’.
Who has inspired you the most personally or professionally?
Adam Lambert, Nathan Lane, Damien Chazelle and Mel Brooks. (Oh… and always the Queen, Meryl Streep)
If you could send out a tweet that would reach the entire world, what would it say?
“Click to download my headshot and CV”… Haha, I’m totally joking, seriously I think I would tweet: “Live a life that hurts no living thing”
Thanks Prudence. Break-a-leg
10 – 12 Oct 2019
Venue: Faifield School For Arts
Theatre Company: Yellow Handle Theatre Company
Duration: N/A
Ticket Prices:
$24 Adult and $20 Concession
plus booking fee
Thu – Sat 7pm
By Brianna McCarthy
Women have locked themselves away in a cave. Outside their window are thousands of buzzing flies that tap on the glass. But under the noise there is something else whispering in the wind. In their solitude, the humans are troubled by dreams of singing rivers and creatures unknown. What is out there that they’re so afraid of? A Game For Flies is about magic, nature and what the breeze may blow in through a window left open.
Featuring Cheng Tang, Nicholas Brady, Prudence Bernadette, Beryl Tuyet and Matylda Bre.
Producer – Matthew Cavagnino
Assitant Director / Choreographer – Nicole Pingon
Sound Design – Lili Occhuito
Dramaturg – Adam Yoon
This work would not have been possible without the recieved funds from Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund, as well as the industry and facility support from PYT Fairfield.
Suitability: 8 years and up
